Musings

I've been think about life, jobs and a variety of different things the last few days. Last weekend I was at a Great Aunt's 100th birthday celebration. This escape to Oregon provided a respite from a intense week and a half at work.

First on Wed. March. 4th the head of HR came by to let me know that I had a teaching job next year but once again would be bumped out of the library. This is due to the fact that our middle school librarian who serves two schools has seniority. The board voted to eliminate her position. Trying to look at this in a positive light was (is) difficult. This is the third time this has happened, but the district could easily have laid me off completely because I'm only probationary. But they didn't.

This intensity was followed by our WASC visit which started on 3/8. I was the "hostess" for their visit since the team was housed in the library conference room. A sub was hired to manage the library circ desk while I made sure they had paperwork they needed, printing access, and of course the all important food.

Then I left for Oregon and realized that more important than the job and the craziness of the work world, what really matters is relationships. Whether this be with colleagues, friends or family. 100 years old is an accomplishment and this aunt accomplished a lot in those 100 years. She was widowed in her late 30's with 4 teenagers to raise. She baked pies and sold them to a local cafe to generate income. She then worked as a school janitor which led to being a school cook. After retiring from that job she went back to school to become a dental assistant. Resiliance and faith that's what got her to 100. It was fascinating to listen to her stories and to see what a full life she has led. She feels blessed.

I should too...there is much to be grateful for in my life...family, friends, health, a home of my own...and a job that provides me with new challenges each and every day. I don't know what the future holds. We never do, but I'm thankful for the life I have.